Compare and Contrast of Classical Ballet and Modern Dance
Most people dance to have fun or to entertain others, but dance can also be used for communication or storytelling. Ballet is an extremely popular dance form. It is a combination of elaborate scenery, intricate choreography and costumes. Ballet is primarily known for its graceful movements and dancers, but it has grown over the years. There are now many styles and forms of ballet and many forms are moving away from the traditional form of ballet. Some styles of ballet dance include classical ballet, neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet. Classical ballet is the oldest, and most formal ballet style. It follows traditional ballet techniques. It is also known as a romantic ballet. Techniques used in classical ballet include point work, turnout of the legs, structured patterns, and precise movements.
Classical ballet was designed to let the dancer move with agility and control while still looking graceful. Classical ballet uses the turned-out position of the legs, because it increases the range of movement and adds greater mobility to the dancers. Classical ballets always have a story or plot to them. The subject matter ranges from the romantic, realistic, to even comedy. Classical ballet leaves little room for creativity and is a reason why new ballet styles have started to form. Floor patterns are a common feature in classical ballet. Most use circular patterns for background dancers while straight lines towards the audience are used by main dancers. These patterns are usually repeated throughout the play. The music in classical ballets is often used to exaggerate simple gestures. Cinderella, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker are many examples of classical ballet.
Neoclassical ballet became popular in the 20th-century. It uses classical techniques but let’s people add creative liberties to it. It is less rigid and more free flowing than classical ballet. Apollo is known as one of the first neoclassical ballets. Neoclassical techniques that are used often when dancing are flexed hands, turned-in legs rather than turn out legs, off-centered positions, and simple costumes such as plain leotards and tutus. Dancers in these types of ballets are required to dance at faster and more difficult tempos. Neoclassical ballet is characterized by greater speed, and asymmetric patterns. They often one-act ballets and have simple sets and costumes. The Prodigal, Son Serenade, Concerto Barocco. Symphony in C, Agon, and Jewels are other neoclassical ballets.
Contemporary ballet is known as an expressive dance that combines elements from several different dance genres. The creation of contemporary ballet was influenced by both classical ballet and modern dances. It takes its techniques such as point work from classical ballet but uses a greater range of movement and more relaxed steps, it is characterized by floor work, turn-in of the legs and greater range of movement. Many contemporary ballets do not have story lines or any plot although some do. Ballets with no story focus on the dancing and convey feelings through the dancing. It is up to the viewer to interpret the dance. Most contemporaries are short.
These ballets also use plain backgrounds and clothes. Revelations, The Rite of Spring, and The Triumph of St. Joan are examples of some contemporary ballets. Ballet has been around for many years. Through the years it has changed and grown. Classical ballet will always be the most popular style of ballet, but many have started taking creative liberties. People changing classical ballet is how we can view many styles and types of ballets today. Many new forms of ballet will most likely start appearing just as neoclassical and contemporary have.
